SIX TIPS FOR DEALING WITH JOB LOSS
Losing a job can be really stressful. Our work is often part of our identity, a point of status or pride, and a source of income that allows us to provide for our loved ones. For many men, work contributes to a sense of meaning that promotes positive masculinity.
Losing employment can disrupt all this, hit our self-esteem and leave us at risk for depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and even heart disease. Losing a job can be particularly difficult when it’s unexpected or when our industry is in a downturn and future employment feels uncertain.
While job loss is hard, there are strategies for success. Below are six tips for maintaining well-being through job loss and unemployment.
TAKE TIME TO PROCESS THE LOSS
Losing a job can bring up a lot of difficult thoughts and feelings, including anger or frustration, fear of future uncertainty, sadness, and shame. Many of us go through a grieving process as part of accepting that our job is gone. For some of us, there may also be relief, particularly if the job was difficult or stressful.
It is helpful to take time to process the experience of losing our job, by reflecting on what we have lost and our emotional reactions to this loss, even if we plan to dive into a job search pretty quickly.
BUILD SOCIAL SUPPORT
Getting support from the people around us is key to responding to job loss. It's important to keep socially engaged, instead of withdrawing and isolating ourselves.
- Talk to trusted family and friends about your experiences and their impact on you
- Join a support group, such as an unemployment support group or a peer support group
- Engage with your professional network and organizations in your industry to share experiences and to build community
Getting support helps us feel less alone at a time when we might be predisposed to feeling isolated. Making connections can also give us insights into future opportunities.
It can be particularly important to lean on social connections if many of our daily interactions came from coworkers at our now-previous job. Social support has been connected to more effective coping following job loss and a higher likelihood of being re-employed sooner.
